Reimagining Victoria Park | Municipality of Kincardine

Located in the heart of lakeside downtown Kincardine is Victoria Park.

A space that provides opportunities for quiet reflection as well as a magnitude of special events, the time has come to review the existing footprint and its amenities within.

The Victoria Park project is an opportunity to specifically improve the staging area with accessibility features throughout the park that invite everyone to enjoy the space without barriers.

We'll be working with Pl.ural Inc. to create a concept design that reflects the needs and desires of the community for this space.

Victoria Park in Kincardine in the summer.

Victoria Park Design Open House

We hosted an open house on June 6th with pl.ural about reimagining Victoria Park - thanks to all who came out!

For those who couldn't join us, here's the information that was presented. These are not finalized drawings or plans. We'll be taking all of the comments gathered last night, along with the online input, compiling them, and developing a hybrid concept that best reflects what we've heard.

Check out and read the content below, then share your feedback by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, June 21st, 2024 through the link at the bottom of this page.

Reimagining

Principles

These five principles guide concept development.

Maximizing Safety

Addressing aging infrastructure, improving access, enhancing sight lines.

Creating Spaces for Everyone

Improving accessibility, providing amenity, mitigating barriers.

Affording Performances

Establishing space for performances, special events and community gathering.

Celebrating Legacy

Acknowledging, respecting, and celebrating park history, with special consideration to noteworthy spaces, trees, artifacts, and water.

Enhancing Canopy Cover

Maintaining mature trees, supplementing with new planting to ensure canopy longevity.

Concept 1

Meaningful Movement

Characterized by a playful network of pedestrian pathways, this concept positions healthy active living at the forefront. Intended to engage pedestrians passing by, paths encourage movement and act as an inclusive passive recreation facility suited to young families and aging populations alike.

Concept 1 aerial map illustrating possible park layout.

Legend

Victoria Park Entrance Plaza
Kincardine Centre for the Arts
Event Plaza
Covered Performance Stage
Improved Washroom/Facility Access
Open Programmable Space (Lawn)
Paved Plaza with Water Feature
Accessible Entrances
Crosswalk Markings and Pedestrian Safety Enhancements
Existing Interpretive Elements
Storage Shed
Pedestrian Circulation Enhancement

To the west, a new plaza and paths are organic in form, emulating Lake Huron waves, visible on the horizon. Moving east, symmetrical pathways formalize the main lawn, complementing the Victorian character of adjacent heritage homes. A plaza punctuating the east lawn, complete with in grade water feature pays homage to the historic fountain which once stood in
the park.

With a dedicated performance stage and large plaza, situated towards the bottom of the site to create an
amphitheater style arrangement, this concept is well suited to large events and performances.

View west towards new pavillion

Concept 2

Maximizing Movement

An alternative approach to the first concept, this rendition positions strong perimeter paths adjacent to parking environments, and makes use of softer, swooping interior paths in between.

Concept 2 aerial map illustrating possible park layout.

Legend

Victoria Park Entrance Plaza
Kincardine Centre for the Arts
Event Plaza
Covered Performance Stage
Improved Washroom/Facility Access
Open Programmable Space (Lawn)
Paved Plaza with Water Feature
Accessible Entrances
Crosswalk Markings and Pedestrian Safety Enhancements
Existing Interpretive Elements

To the west, a new plaza and paths are organic in form, emulating Lake Huron waves, visible on the horizon. Moving east, a plaza complete with in grade water feature pays homage to the historic fountain which once stood in the park, enhancing sight lines from Russell Street.

View southwest through enhanced park entry.

Concept 3

Lakeside Legacy

Inspired by Victorian architectural detailing in the vicinity, this concept is characterized by strong linear pedestrian pathways. Embracing strong sight lines, particularly facing west from Russell Street, a formalized main walk serves as a main thoroughfare terminating at a central focal feature.

Concept 3 aerial map illustrating possible park layout.

Legend

Victoria Park Entrance Plaza
Kincardine Centre for the Arts
Main Walk
Covered Performance Stage
Cottage Inspired Gardens
Formal Garden Beds
Open Programmable Space (Lawn)
Accessible Entrances
Crosswalk Markings and Pedestrian Safety Enhancements
Paved Plaza with Water Feature
Existing Interpretive Elements
Storage Shed
Pedestrian Circulation Enhancements

Secondary park entrances are formalized and right-sized, creating small plazas to accept visitors arriving
in all directions. The perimeter of the park is also flanked with pedestrian pathways, permitting safe and
accessible travel while maximizing lawn space.

With a covered performance stage, situated amongst mature trees and new garden beds, events and performances can occur in an intimate setting. Though, when not in use, this space offers flexibility and ensures
vacant facilities are not a focus.

View west towards new plaza.

Comments and Feedback

Thanks for reviewing all of the content. As we mentioned earlier, we'd appreciate you sharing your thoughts about the concepts above before June 21st, 2024. If you need an alternate format to provide your thoughts, please contact us by e-mail or call 519-396-3468.

Share your feedback about Victoria Park

Make sure you check back here regularly for updates and further details about the Victoria Park project.